Used To Be Abandoned, Now Nanshan Tourism Village Becomes A Popular Destination For Tourists

JAKARTA - Beijing's Nanshan Village in Pinggu District, China was once a less developed rural area. However, it has now turned into a popular destination for tourists driven by its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and art integration.

Located in the town of Nandulehe in Pinggu district, it used to be an agricultural village with significant population outflows. This village has many empty houses and human resources are unemployed.

But now, Nanshan tourist village has become a popular destination for tourists. Reported by VOI from the China Daily website on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, this tourist village managed to attract 30,000 visitors since the beginning of the year.

"Through art integration, Nanshan village has not only changed its appearance, but also experienced economic growth and increased the living standards of the population," said Meng Chao, a post-doctoral artist and employee at Tsinghua University.

The village started its first art festival in July. The festival managed to attract more than 300 students and faculty members from 8 universities to participate.

The students collaborated with villagers and local craftsmen to make more than 30 works of art on the walls, fences, and other spaces suitable for display.

This artwork has improved the village landscape, attracting many urban tourists to experience a unique contemporary art in the atmosphere of rural life.

"By revitalizing underused agricultural houses, this village is alive again and has been given new opportunities to grow," said Jia Jingyu, Deputy Director of the Department of City Organizations Nandulehe.

Through renovations, this village now offers 70 boutique guesthouses and 10 public facilities. This creates a high-quality rural recreation complex, which also benefits the villagers.

It also focuses on renovating and improving rivers, waste management, waste disposal systems, electricity and road infrastructure, which ensures the provision of important infrastructure, supporting services, and lays the groundwork for the development of high-quality tourism goals.

"Our village has become more beautiful and we have seen so many tourists during the holidays," said Duan Yuzhen, a resident who operates a homestay.

"My homestay business is going well and our income has improved significantly, something we never imagined before."

In addition to the booming homestay industry, traditional agricultural products have found a wider market.

"With more tourists, I was finally able to sell my coolness, Hawthorn, and walnuts," said a farmer.

"Some people added me on WeChat, pledging to buy more if my product is good. Few people believe I can do business from home, but that is the reality now." he continued.

Since the start of this year, revenue from self-operated homestays has increased by about 300 percent compared to previous years, with more than 20 homestays operating so far.

It is hoped that the village will welcome an average of 70,000 visitors every year by 2030, resulting in an annual income estimate of 1.5 million yuan or IDR 3.3 billion for village collectives and providing 92 new homestays, according to statistics from village officials.

In the future, Nanshan village will continue to use art to deepen cultural integration, tourism and promote its sustainable growth, demonstrating the great potential of art in rural vitalization, according to local authorities.